Coward?

Parent Cafe
1

<p>First let me prefacethis by saying that, so far, I am really enjoying my school!
The people have been nice and professors, for the most part, great. The campus is beautiful, etc. </p>

<p>However, I'm running into a bit of a snag. Basically, the Japanese department was horribly unaccomdating with placement and the whole thing blew up in everyone's faces. Angry, I figured I would have to forego Japanese and signed up for Arabic, which is half distance taught by video conference. The professor has been wonderful by all means, but I really miss Japanese. There are a ton of Japanese studnts hee, and everytime I hear them it hits me in face that I'm not taking Japanese. The distance learning format also presents somed potential problems, though the professor has been very accommadating.</p>

<p>Additionally, I'm feeling overwelhmed with two reading heavy classes and two homework heavy cl;asses. This wouldn't be bad if not for the fact getting around takes extra effort for me with shopping, landuary, the physical act of moving,etc. I feel like I can't really give Arabic my all and I want to. Additionally, I feel like this is keeping me from really getting out there and meeting people and enjoying college in the EC vein. I went to a lecture tonight and I loved it, but it took my 30 minutes each way from my dorm (probably 15 minutes normally)</p>

<p>I was thinking about visiting the intro level Japanese (could also probably do the second level with ease, but the teacher teaching that is one I managed to be at odds with over placement and I feel like I only really win the department back from the ground up) and seeing about getting in. My stress level would be better, and the Japanese class would be an easy (for a kid with professional schoool dreams this is a factor).</p>

<p>Problem is, I'd feel like a coward and Japanese is so, well, pointless while Arabic is not. I couldn't see how knowing Japanese would give my any advantage in job market. However, ustaz (arabic for professor) did mention the program is in limbo today so I don't know how far I could get anyhow!</p>

<p>Oh, I'm taking 16 credits. I was considering taking Japanese and taking Arabic P/, but I'm not sure if the professor would go for that!
Advice?</p>

2

<p>Japanese = pointless? Arabic not? Japanese remains a very important language, as trade with Japan is still a large part of our economy. Arabic will give you a leg up if you want to work for Home Security and translate eavesdropped phone calls. I was wondering if there were any Japanese clubs you could join. Get together with some of these Japanese students and practice speaking Japanese.</p>

3

<p>It sounds like you'd really prefer to take Japanese.</p>

<p>Don't worry about how it looks (although I don't see how taking it could be considered cowardly), do what you like best.</p>

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<p>Arabic is far from pointless, however, two solid years of study is a solid benchmark in order for the coursework to have any commercial value on one's resume, or to be able to claim proficiency in a way that is useful to employers - private or public sector - who will have need of the competency. Are you prepared to commit to two years of it? And does your college even offer the classes? </p>

<p>Japanese is and will continue to be very important. Go with what interests you most...</p>